Corrective and driving assistance systems

Depending on the vehicle, they may consist of:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS);
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with understeer control and ASR traction control system;
• Emergency brake assist with, depending on the vehicle, brake anticipation.

ABS (anti-lock braking system)

During heavy braking, the ABS prevents the wheels from locking, thereby allowing control of the stopping distance and maintaining control of the vehicle.

Under these conditions, evasive manoeuvres while braking are possible.

In addition, this system optimises stopping distances, particularly on low-grip surfaces (wet roads, etc.).

Each time the system operates, the brake pedal pulsates. ABS never improves the “physical” performance linked to tyre-to-road grip. Safe driving rules must therefore be strictly observed (distances between vehicles, etc.).

In an emergency, apply firm, continuous pressure to the pedal. There is no need to pump the pedal. ABS will modulate the force applied in the braking system.

Malfunctions:

• If the warning lightappears on the instrument panel while driving, braking is still assured;
• If the warning lightsandappear on the instrument panel, this indicates a fault in the braking system.

In these cases, ABS, ESP and emergency brake assist are also deactivated and, depending on the vehicle, the messages “ABS to be checked”, “Braking system to be checked” and “ESP to be checked” are displayed on the instrument panel.

Consult a Renault dealer.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with understeer control and ASR traction control system

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

This system helps maintain control of the vehicle in critical driving situations (avoiding an obstacle, loss of grip in a bend, etc.).

Operating principle

A steering wheel sensor detects the trajectory the driver intends to follow.

Other sensors located throughout the vehicle measure its actual trajectory.

The system compares the driver's intended path with the vehicle's actual trajectory and, if necessary, corrects the latter by acting on the braking of certain wheels and/or on engine power. When the system activates, the indicatorflashes on the instrument panel.

Understeer control

This system optimizes ESP action in the event of pronounced understeer (loss of grip at the front axle).

Anti-slip regulation ASR

This system helps limit wheel spin of the driven wheels and helps control the vehicle when starting, accelerating or decelerating.

Operating principle

Using wheel sensors, the system constantly measures and compares the speed of the driven wheels and detects wheel spin. If a wheel tends to spin, the system brakes that wheel until traction is again compatible with the grip available under the wheel.

The system also acts on engine speed according to the grip available at the wheels, independently of the accelerator pedal.

Malfunction

When the system detects an operating fault, the message "ESP check required" and the warning lightappear on the instrument panel. In this case, ESP and ASR are deactivated.

Consult a Renault dealer.

ASR function inhibition

Deactivating the ASR function

In certain situations (driving on very soft ground: snow, mud, etc., or driving with snow chains fitted), the system may reduce engine power to limit wheel spin. If this effect is not wanted, the function can be deactivated by pressing switch 1.

The message "Traction control off" appears on the instrument panel to warn you.

The ASR traction control system provides additional safety, so driving with the function deactivated is not recommended. Leave this situation as soon as possible by pressing switch 1 again.

Note: the function is automatically reactivated when the vehicle is switched on or once a speed of approximately 40 km/h is exceeded.

Emergency brake assist

This system complements the ABS and helps reduce the vehicle's stopping distances.

Operating principle

The system detects an emergency braking situation. In this case, brake assist immediately develops its maximum power and may trigger ABS regulation.

ABS braking is maintained as long as the brake pedal is not released.

Hazard warning lights activation

Depending on the vehicle, these may flash during sudden strong deceleration.

Malfunction

When the system detects an operating fault, the message "Brake fault" appears on the instrument panel, together with the warning light.

Consult a Renault dealer.

Brake anticipation

Depending on the vehicle, when you quickly release the accelerator pedal, the system anticipates braking in order to reduce stopping distances.

Special cases

When using the cruise control

• if you use the accelerator pedal, the system may activate when you release it;
• if you do not use the accelerator pedal, the system will not activate.